It was more than a little weird to be back in Henry's hometown. We haven't been there in over 6 years. And I think we've figured out what makes Madison so appealing (especially to all of the old hippies): it never changes.
Here's the Meiklejohn House where Brandon had an office for a class he TA'ed. He used to ride his bike there with Henry in his car seat tucked into the bike trailer. I bet there's still no air conditioning.
You know we had lunch at State Street Brats. While there, we puzzled Henry with the riddle "How long a minute is depends on which side of the bathroom door you're on." It took him hours to figure that one out. I think he might have been disappointed to realize you can't actually change time.
We sauntered down State Street- because we could- toward the Capitol building. I don't want to seem biased, but I think you'd have a hard time finding a better Capitol.
Henry loved the inside.
He orchestrated this shot of us.
The coolest part about the Capitol? You can climb up an old set of spiral stairs and go outside the dome.
Oh, East Washington. it's like we never left. Look 3 miles down the road and you might see our house!
Back inside we were surprised to find that you could also now peak out from the highest walkway on the inside of the dome. It took us a few minutes to work up the nerve to go out and look down.
That's a long drop.
But it does offer a good view of the mural on the ceiling.
Next we met up with papa for a beer at the Union Terrace. Just like when he was a student and I worked downtown at Grant Thornton. Before there were so many kids.
And we got Babcock Dairy Ice Cream too. Then we pointed out the spot on the edge of the lake where papa tried to be goofy and fell in holding a one-year-old Henry by the ankles. Then I fell in trying to help them out.
Henry even posed with the iconic Union Terrace chair- designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and found only at the Terrace.
It may have been the Spotted Cow, but I was feeling pretty nostalgic for Madison.
